The Phillies Zone

The Phillies have called up their top prospect from triple-A Lehigh Valley when they placed centerfielder Shane Victorino on the 15-day disabled list with an abdominal strain on his left side.

After Tuesday's game, Victorino was optimistic the injury wouldn't require a trip to the disabled list. But an MRI this morning evidently showed the injury is serious enough.

Brown, 22, has hit .327 with 20 home runs and 68 RBIs in 93 games for triple and double A. He is the top-rated Phillies prospect. Scouts have been impressed with not only Brown's numbers, but also the way he's gone about his business as one of the most visible prospects in the entire minor leagues.

A National League scout told our Bob Brookover on Tuesday that Brown was more than ready to play in the majors.

Brown will wear No. 9 with the Phillies.

The biggest test for Brown will be facing lefthanded pitching in the majors. His first test will be Thursday when Arizona starts Joe Saunders.

The toosly lefthanded outfielder is batting .303 against lefthanded pitching this season with an .881 OPS. But only three of his 20 home runs have come off lefties.

Brown will likely start in rightfield tonight with Jayson Werth shifting to centerfield in Victorino's absense. A few weeks ago, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr said Brown would only come up if he could play every day at the major-league level.